News stories tagged with "mchugh"

(07/02/10) It was a memorable homecoming for Secretary of the Army John McHugh. The longtime North Country Congressman made his first visit to Fort Drum since becoming Secretary as the 10th Mountain Division celebrated an historic milestone. McHugh gave thanks to Fort Drum for its big role in his rise to the top civilian position in the Army. And he acknowledged the difficult road forward for soldiers and their families. David Sommerstein reports. more

(11/30/09) The North Country has seen more than its share of political upheavals over the last several years. For the first time in decades, the region is represented by a Democrat, Darrel Aubertine, in the state Senate. The region has also elected three Democrats to Congress: Mike Arcuri, Scott Murphy and Bill Owens. Last week, Conservative Doug Hoffman finally conceded the 23rd congressional district race to Owens.

These elections represent stunning reversals for the once-dominant upstate Republican Party. And they've caught the attention of the national media, including a television appearance yesterday by Republican Dede Scozzafava. Her withdrawal and endorsement of Owens in the closing days of the 23rd CD race brought questions of her party's identity into sharp focus. Brian Mann covered the 23rd CD race for NCPR and NPR. Martha Foley spoke with him about this latest chapter.

(10/23/09) The race to replace John McHugh in Congress is down to its last two weeks. The high octane and even higher spending campaign is spewing attacks and accusations all over TV and radio as national politicos manage the candidates' every move. We're trying to break through the din with a series of candidate profiles. You can listen online to the profiles of Democrat Bill Owens and Republican Dede Scozzfava, which aired this week. Today, it's Conservative Douglas Hoffman's turn. Hoffman blew the race wide open with an aggressive challenge of Scozzafava's Republican credentials. He's building rock-star status among the country's most polarizing conservatives. He's shed the third party "spoiler" status and has picked up lots of ground in the polls. All this from a family-man accountant born of hardship in the Adirondacks. David Sommerstein has this profile. more

(10/09/09) It's been a busy week in the special election to replace former Congressman John McHugh. Election day is just a little over three weeks away. This week, President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton have waded into the fray. We've also had more Republican-Conservative squabbles and some high-profile endorsements. Brian Mann joins Marth Foley on the line to sort it all out.

(09/23/09) John McHugh has been confirmed as Army Secretary. That means the battle for his North Country House seat is shifting into overdrive. One of the most contentious issues in this special election is the financial background of the three candidates. Republican Dede Scozzafava has faced intense scrutiny for her investments in Wisebuys and Hacketts. But Conservative Doug Hoffman and Democrat Bill Owens are drawing fire for failing to file financial disclosure forms required by Federal ethics laws. Brian Mann has our story.

(09/10/09) A poll released yesterday by Conservative candidate Doug Hoffman is offering a first snapshot of the congressional race to replace John McHugh. The survey, paid for by Hoffman's campaign, shows Republican Dede Scozzafava with 30% of the vote. That compares with 20% for Democrat Bill Owens and 19% for Hoffman. Brian Mann has our report.

(09/01/09) Conservative candidate Doug Hoffman from Lake Placid was out on the campaign trail yesterday, stumping for the seat that will soon be vacated by Congressman John McHugh. He'll face Republican Dede Scozzafava and Democrat Bill Owens when the election is scheduled in the fall. Hoffman's message was all about cutting taxes and shrinking Federal spending. As Brian Mann reports, the Conservative hopes his "anti-pork" crusade will appeal to rank-and-file Republicans.

(08/14/09) Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is calling on two Republican Senators to stop delaying the confirmation of John McHugh as Secretary of the Army. David Sommerstein reports.

(08/12/09) Plattsburgh attorney and former Air Force captain Bill Owens has won the Democratic Party nod in the race to fill John McHugh's House seat. Owens was a law partner to former Republican state Senator Ron Stafford and has described himself as a lifelong independent. He told Brian Mann that he is comfortable taking up the Democratic banner, though he differs with state Democratic officials on some issues, including same-sex marriage.

(07/31/09) Congressman John McHugh took mostly polite questions in a two and a half hour hearing today to become the next Secretary of the Army. The North Country Republican gave a somber assessment of the Army. He spoke about high suicide rates and deployment stress, recruitment challenges, and the future of "don't ask, don't tell". The toughest questions came from fellow Republican, John McCain, who criticized some of McHugh's campaign contributions. Still, members of the Senate Armed Services committee promised a swift confirmation. David Sommerstein reports.